Mohamed Salah hailed for ‘world class’ goal to open scoring for Liverpool against Newcastle

Peter Crouch hailed Mohamed Salah‘s ‘world class’ finish to give Liverpool the lead in their lunchtime Premier League fixture against Newcastle United.

The Egyptian forward netted his 20th league goal of the season and 29th overall with an outstanding touch to control Sadio Mane’s half-cleared cross, a stunning spin away from Matt Ritchie and a smashed finish high into the net.

The third minute strike made Salah the first Liverpool player to score at least 20 goals in three different Premier League campaigns.

And he was praised by former Liverpool striker and BT Sport pundit Crouch: ‘It was great to watch, it came out of nothing.

‘Look how strong Salah is here, holding off the defender and he has that presence of mind. It was such a clinical finish.

‘To have the presence of mind to bring in down was world class.’

His fellow pundit at Anfield Jermaine Jenas said the goal was ‘top drawer’. 

And BT Sport commentator Steve McManaman was dazzled by the deftness of Salah’s first touch and the way he spun and shot in what appeared to be one fluid motion.

‘What a touch. There’s nothing you can do about it, there’s nothing you can do,’ said the former Liverpool winger.

‘One if the very, very best. It’s good body shape from Mane, it’s just an innocuous cross into the box which is cleared.

‘Look at the first touch here, back inside onto his left foot, away from [Matt] Ritchie. He doesn’t have to move, doesn’t have to break stride. Just a touch and smash.’

But Salah was left frustrated later in an entertaining, end-to-end first-half when he was in the clear only to delay his shot and find the ball smothered by Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka.